About us

National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS) is a state financed civil society fund in Estonia. We support non-governmental organizations in developing different capacities, so that they can pursue their objectives consciously and purposefully. As an efficient assistance, development and support center, we strive for a strong and viable civil society.

We are the primary fund for Estonian non-governmental organizations and foundations, affecting the operational capacity of NGOs acting in the public interests of Estonia, regardless of their field of activity. Through calls for proposals, applicants can apply for funding based on their development needs identified as a result of self-analysis, or for the development of a pre-determined specific capacity. Granting additional funds, supporting research on civil society, and mediating international funding programmes are among our main activities.

We support annually over 800 projects and initiatives, ranging from local to international cooperation. With the investment of 2.6 million euros in 2014, more than 100 organizations created new jobs and helped to solve social problems through social enterpreneurship, services offered in public and private sector partnership, volunteering and so forth.

We have a nation-wide outreach involving all stake-holders. In cooperation with county governments and development centers, we offer expertise and consultations on a variety of topics from how to start an NGO to advice on applying for funding.

We welcome you to navigate in the page menue up above to find out more about our different activities and what we can offer in terms of international cooperation, or read more about the foundation here on the right. Should you have any questions, do get in touch!